eInside Briefs

Kent State Provost Announces New Appointments

Todd Diacon, Kent State University senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, has announced new leadership appointments in the Division of Academic Affairs. The Division of Academic Affairs is responsible for all academic programs at the university, including all of Kent State’s colleges, campuses and a variety of other initiatives.

James L. Blank, Ph.D.

James L. Blank, Ph.D., has been named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. An expert in neuroscience, Blank currently serves as professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. He has worked at Kent State for 25 years. Under Blank’s leadership, the Department of Biological Sciences has grown in undergraduate and graduate students and in faculty. This growth has transformed the department into a leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and research. Previously, he served as director of Kent State’s School of Biomedical Sciences, where he helped develop the collaborative doctoral program between Kent State and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

“Jim has a wealth of administrative experience and vast knowledge of Kent State,” Diacon says. “He knows the College of Arts and Sciences well and has led a very successful department in the college. I’m very excited he will be serving as interim dean.”

Blank is replacing Senior Associate Provost Timothy J. L. Chander, Ph.D., who has been serving as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and was recently named as the new provost of Towson University. Chandler will remain with Kent State through the end of the fall semester. Blank will begin transitioning into the interim dean position beginning Nov. 1 and undertake all roles of the position Jan. 1, 2013.

“Tim has been a treasure for Kent State, and we understand well why Towson chose him for this important position,” Diacon says of Chandler. “I especially wish to thank Tim for his warm welcome and sage advice, both of which eased my transition to Kent.”

Said Sewell, Ph.D.

A search committee for a new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has been formed. The search committee is chaired by John Crawford, dean of Kent State’s College of the Arts, and hopes to have a new dean in place by July 1, 2013.

Diacon also announced that Said Sewell, Ph.D., who previously served as dean of Undergraduate Studies, has been appointed to the newly created position of assistant provost for Academic Affairs. In this position, he will direct the See You at College program to provide support to informal advisors of high school students (advisors such as youth pastors and Big Sister and Big Brother leaders). He also will help develop and implement articulation agreements, oversee the Male Initiative and represent the provost at public events. Sewell began this new position on Oct. 1.

“Said is a good fit to direct this new program to help train these informal advisors in giving good college prep advice to students,” Diacon says. “His terrific public speaking skills as well as his experience in diversity matters will boost our recruitment of diverse students and will help ensure their success once they reach the university.”

Eboni Pringle

Eboni Pringle, assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies, has been named interim dean of Undergraduate Studies, effective Oct. 1. She has overseen the operations of the Office of Student Success programs and Destination Kent State programs in Undergraduate Studies and has previously led Undergraduate Studies on an interim basis. Spending most of her career at Kent State, she also has held positions in Residence Services, Student Financial Aid and the Office of Admissions.

“Eboni did an outstanding job as the interim executive director of Undergraduate Studies,” Diacon says of Pringle. “Under her watch, the retention rate of exploratory majors increased noticeably. We know she’ll continue to excel in providing the best experience for all of our undergraduate students.”

For more information about the Office of the Provost, visit www.kent.edu/provost.

Steinway Piano Discounts for Kent State Employees

Kent State employees, friends and families
will receive discounts on Steinway pianos,
Oct. 18-20, because of the university's
All-Steinway designation.

Steinway Pianos provide Kent State University faculty, staff and students the opportunity to purchase pianos at discounted rates from Oct. 18 - 20 by appointment.

Kent State’s new “All-Steinway” designation provides discount benefits to all employees, friends and families. Kent State is one of only 145 colleges, universities or conservatories in North America to receive this designation since Steinway’s founding in 1853, according to Ted Good, president and CEO of Steinway Hall - Akron, Inc.

This five-year project was completed by “a very dedicated team of administrators, faculty, alumni and other supporters,” says Denise Seachrist, Ph.D., director of Kent State’s Hugh A. Glauser School of Music.

John Crawford, Ph.D., dean of the College of the Arts, says that Kent State now has a very special alliance with Steinway & Sons. All Kent State employees, alumni, families and friends have the opportunity for three days this coming weekend to purchase the piano of their choice from the local Steinway dealer at the same discounted prices that the university pays for its pianos. There will be pianos of every style, price range and size available. The dealer will also accept old pianos on trade.

Seachrist says that not only will Kent State employees and friends benefit from the low prices; a portion of the overall proceeds will be donated back to Kent State to fund musical arts education and programming.

For details about the sale, please call 330-760-2372 or visit http://kentpianosale.wordpress.com/. 

Why I Give to the United Way

Barbara Boltz writes about why she
supports the United Way.

Barbara Boltz, project director for enrollment data and systems support in the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, writes about why she gives to the United Way.

“Giving of my talents, time and treasures is a habit that I acquired as a child and believe is essential to being an engaged citizen of this great nation. I am the middle child of nine, raised in a one-income home.  As children, we did not receive allowances but earned monies by carrying newspapers, babysitting and cleaning houses. Being in a large family meant wearing hand-me-downs, home-sewn clothing, having a large garden and lots of canning.  Looking back, I realize that my parents stretched every penny and we were a part of the lower class, and yet, we had neighbors down the block that were even poorer…”

Click here to read more from Boltz’s post about why she gives to the United Way.

Visit www.kentstateconnects.com to see more blog posts from your colleagues.

Click here to subscribe to the Kent State Connects blog and receive an email notification when a new post is published.

To give to United Way online, you should sign in to FlashLine. In FlashLine, select the My HR Tab. Once in the My HR tab, select United Way E-give within the Employment Details section.

You can also download a paper form from the site if you prefer to send your contribution that way. Completed forms may be sent to Pat Nash in the University Relations office or faxed to 330-672-7301.

Three Local Professionals Honored by Kent State School of Communication Studies 

Renowned scholar and alumnus Dominic
Infante, Ph.D., will be honored with the
Centennial Award for both his contribution
to the field of communication and the School
of Communication Studies. 

In its 80th year as a discipline on the Kent State University campus, the School of Communication Studies is proud to honor three area communication professionals at its annual Homecoming awards ceremony. The school will recognize renowned scholar and alumnus Dominic Infante, Ph.D., with the Centennial Award, established in conjunction with the university’s 2010 centennial, for both his contribution to the field of communication and the School of Communication Studies.
 
Deborah Easton-Bentley, M.A., will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Adam Earnheardt, Ph.D., will be honored as an Outstanding Young Professional. Student awards to be presented include Outstanding Doctoral Student Award to Jenny Rosenberg, Outstanding Master's Student Award to Kaitlin Banduch and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award to Daniel Smith.
 
Alumni and friends of the school are welcome to attend the awards reception, which will be held on Oct. 19 at the Kent Student Center Ballroom Balcony at 5 p.m. with awards to follow at 6 p.m.
 
RSVP at kentcomm@kent.edu or 330-672-2659. Visit www.kent.edu/comm or Facebook (Kent State University School of Communication Studies) for more information and announcements about this event and the 80th anniversary of the School of Communication Studies. Interested alumni can provide career updates and accomplishments by going to www.kent.edu/comm/anniversary/index.cfm.
 
About the Award Winners:
 
Dominic A. Infante, Ph.D., professor emeritus of communication studies, is a widely published and internationally renowned scholar and researcher on argumentativeness, verbal aggressiveness, personality and communication, interpersonal communication, family violence, spousal abuse and a myriad of other topics. The school's Centennial Award, established in conjunction with the University's 2010 Centennial, is the highest honor given by the School of Communication Studies. It recognizes those associated with the school who are nationally and/or internationally recognized for their preeminent contributions to their profession or life's work as they relate to the field of communication.
 
Deborah Easton-Bentley, a nationally known communication skills consultant/trainer for 30 years, provides audiences with practical and effective advice for communicating with colleagues, customers or direct reports. Easton-Bentley has conducted programs for a variety of corporations and organizations, including health care, manufacturing, public utilities, insurance, social services, finance, technology and telecommunications. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni with more than 15 years of professional experience since graduation who have made a significant contribution to the field of communication with demonstrated success in a chosen career.
 
Adam Earnheardt, Ph.D., is chair of the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. In 2009, he was recognized as one of the top 40 professionals under the age of 40 by the Mahoning Valley Professional (MVP) 20/30 Club in Northeast Ohio, and selected as one of the top five MVPs. Earnheardt is executive director of the Ohio Communication Association. The Outstanding Young Professional Award honors alumni with five to 15 years of professional experience since graduation who have made a significant contribution to the field of communication with demonstrated success in a chosen career.

Sexual Assault Response Team Reminds University Community About Available Resources

Program gets new education intervention coordinator

Kent State University's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a comprehensive, collaborative and victim-centered response to sexual assault that includes prevention, education and response/recovery components. The responsibility of the team is to educate the university community about sexual assault, to provide anti-violence programming and support services and to encourage all community members to speak out when witnessing violence

Kent State faculty, staff and students may contact the Sexual Assault Response Team to answer questions, as well as provide information and resources. The team also provides support and community resources to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or is in an abusive relationship.

Jennifer O’Connell, the new SART education intervention coordinator, says she is thrilled about her new position and all the possibilities of increasing awareness and programming around sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking.

“I am excited to be working with all offices, departments and groups on campus to educate and train faculty, staff and students about supporting and helping someone who has been assaulted,” O’Connell says. “I am also motivated to assist in creating a campus culture that challenges messages and behaviors that minimize sexual violence and its effect on victims.”

O’Connell says she is looking forward to providing support and resources to victims of sexual violence, so they know that they are not alone during a difficult time. She wants victims to have a place where they are believed and know that there is help and support available to them.

“Kent State is an amazing campus and the support on campus for this position is tremendous,” O’Connell says. “It sends a clear message that Kent State does not tolerate sexual violence and wants to ensure that all students, faculty and staff are safe, healthy and able to pursue their education in an environment free from violence.”

SART members include representatives from the Women’s Center, University Health Services, Public Safety, Residence Services, Psychological Services, Office of Student Conduct, Athletics, the Center for Student Involvement, the Title IX coordinator, Student Ombuds and Townhall II.

Townhall II, the rape crisis center for Portage County, specializes in services assisting victims of sexual assault. It provides advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling, support groups and education for all victims of any violent crime. Townhall II has a 24-hour hotline, 330- 678-HELP, that faculty, staff and students can call. To contact SART, please call 330- 672-8016. The SART website, www.kent.edu/SART, another valuable resource, contains important information about how to support someone who has been a victim, what to do if you have been assaulted, and education about what is sexual assault, intimate partner violence and consent. 

Important Information About Final Grading of H1 - First Half of Semester Fall 2012 Classes

Online final grading for H1 - First Half of Semester Fall 2012 courses meeting from Aug 27, 2012 – Oct 17, 2012 – begins Wednesday, Oct 17, via FlashFAST. Grading is also now available for any Fall 2012 course section that was flexibly scheduled. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. To access FlashFAST, login to FlashLine at http://flashline.kent.edu and click the “Faculty & Advisor Tools” tab. The link to your grade roster(s) is located in the “Faculty & Advisor Toolbox,” under the “Submit Grades” heading.

Grades Processing Tips and FAQs may be found on the University Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/facstaff/facresc.cfm. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.

Also, as a helpful tip, it is recommended that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to offer assistance with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues. 

Important Information About Final Grading of W1 - First 7 Weeks Fall 2012 Classes

Online final grading for W1 - First Seven Weeks Fall 2012 courses meeting from Aug. 26, 2012 – Oct. 13, 2012 – began Friday, Oct. 12, via FlashFAST. Grading is also now available for any Fall 2012 course section that was flexibly scheduled. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. To access FlashFAST, login to FlashLine at http://flashline.kent.edu and click the “Faculty & Advisor Tools” tab. The link to your grade roster(s) is located in the “Faculty & Advisor Toolbox,” under the “Submit Grades” heading.

Grades Processing Tips and FAQs may be found on the University Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/facstaff/facresc.cfm. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.

Also, as a helpful tip, it is recommended that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to offer assistance with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.

Social Media Strategies Helps Students Stay Relevant

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication now
offers a new class starting in the Spring 2013 Semester to
help students and faculty understand the impact of social
media on business, society and culture.

Social media has fundamentally changed the way we communicate, personally and professionally. It has also changed the way businesses interact with the public, other businesses and the media.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication now offers a new class starting in the Spring 2013 Semester to help students and faculty understand the impact of social media on business, society and culture. Social Media Strategies (JMC 21008) is an online course that will employ a variety of hands-on, applicable learning opportunities.

Many students and faculty of Kent State are knowledgeable about the digital world but never think that social media can actually improve their lives and careers. Social Media Strategies will demonstrate how to do this by introducing research, literature and technology into the curriculum.

“The course challenges students to dig a little deeper on a topic that has the power to impact us all,” says Thor Wasbotten, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “Students bring to the table varying degrees of social media knowledge and skills. What’s great is that the collaborative learning environment enables them to learn not only from the instructor, but also each other through participation and sharing.”

Students will gain insight into the tactical uses of social media platforms as well as a strategic understanding of how these sites, applications and tools can be used in business and in personal branding. The class will finish with the development of a strategic social media plan for personal and professional use.

All majors are welcome to take to the course and faculty members are encouraged to share this information with their students.

For more information about this course, email Stefanie Moore, assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, at smoore1@kent.edu.

Graduate Seminar Will Develop New Marketing Materials Using Experiential Learning and Innovative Design

Jason Bacher (left) and Brian Buirge will lead a seminar
over Homecoming weekend to develop graduate recruitment
materials for the School of Visual Communication Design.

Homecoming weekend is a time to reflect upon what a campus and a school means to its alumni, current and future students. Using experiential learning and a research-based design processes, Kent State University’s School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) students will use Homecoming weekend to reflect on its graduate programs for the purpose of creating marketing materials to highlight its unique characteristics. Fifteen graduate and senior undergraduate students will be charged with designing flexible and customizable marketing materials to showcase the VCD Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. The results of this seminar weekend will address every aspect of the design process – from research to concept to production.

Kent State visual communication and design alumni and adjunct faculty members Jason Bacher and Brian Buirge designed the weekend seminar in collaboration with Professor Sanda Katila, graduate coordinator for the School of Visual Communication Design. The seminar was developed after primary interviews and a comparative analysis of materials used by competing institutions were conducted. The pair’s design firm, Work, employed creative problem-solving techniques to incorporate the school’s vision, mission and ideals in their approach to process and design, while remaining within budget.

Unique to the visual communication and design graduate program is its emphasis on research-based design, exemplified by the thesis requirement in the MFA curriculum. Market research is often used to identify audience perceptions of programs and to determine what information should be communicated for greatest impact, but a key audience input – that of the current student – is often ignored. This experiential graduate seminar will provide an opportunity to incorporate the students’ voice in the design process. The creation of program materials will be a culmination of the school’s ideals in practice. Initial research identified five areas of key messaging that students in the seminar will address in the materials: community, collaboration, leadership, personalization and experience.

Buirge says a challenge of the weekend seminar is the tight time constraints.

“We’re asking students to visually communicate the five key ideas with limited resources and without relying on text,” he says. “We want the students to experiment with images, photography and a conceptual development of design work.”

Bacher and Buirge’s team will document the experience to create print and video components explaining the innovative aspects of this design process.